[🇧🇩] Bangladesh-Qatar Relation---- In The Midst of Middle Eastern Turmoil.

[Saif]

Source : https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/dhaka-ready-to-welcome-qatars-emir-as-two-countries-eye-broader-cooperation

Dhaka ready to welcome Qatar's Emir as two countries eye broader cooperation
Published :
Apr 20, 2024 17:33
Updated :
Apr 20, 2024 17:33

Flags of Bangladesh and Qatar are seen cross-pinned in this photo symbolising friendship between the two nations

Bangladesh has taken all necessary preparations to welcome Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who will arrive on Monday on a two-day official visit which might see the signing of nearly a dozen of cooperation documents to strengthen ties in multiple areas, including trade and investment, officials said.

The government, in a gazette notification, has already declared the emir as a very important person during his two-day visit to Bangladesh, according to a UNB report.

Some of the Dhaka streets are seen decorated with the photos of Qatar emir, along with Bangladesh president and the prime minister ahead of the visit.

Such a high-level visit, which will last 24 hours, is taking place from friendly country Qatar nearly after 19 years.

The then Emir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani visited Bangladesh in April, 2005.

Foreign Ministry officials said the agreements and MoUs are likely to be signed on enhancing trade and investment, prisoners exchange, avoidance of double taxation, manpower export, cooperation in the field of religion and higher education.

However, the exact number of documents which will be signed between two countries could not be known.

"The visit will play a significant role in further strengthening the brotherly relations between the two countries," a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told news agency UNB.

Apart from areas of cooperation on bilateral front, global issues including Palestine-Israel will also be discussed where Bangladesh will highlight its position, he said.

During his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye last month, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud emphasised the urgent need for a collective effort to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza, holding Israel accountable for committing crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

"Bangladesh is in favour of peace, not for war," he said.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin will receive the emir amid gun salute and a wider ceremony at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

The emir is scheduled to arrive on Monday afternoon by a special flight, an official told news agency UNB.

On Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will receive the Qatar emir at her office.

They will have tête-à-tête (one-to-one) meeting at the Prime Minister's Office which will be followed by bilateral meeting.

The two leaders will witness the signing ceremony of cooperation documents and a joint press meet.

After signing visitors' book there, the emir will head for Bangabhaban on Tuesday afternoon where the president will receive him.

President Shahabuddin will host official lunch in honour of the Emir of Qatar at Darbar Hall, Bangabhaban.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud will also have a courtesy meeting with the emir.

A road and a park of the capital will be named after the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

The emir will inaugurate the park in Kalshi area of Mirpur under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and a road running from Mirpur ECB Chattar to Kalshi Flyover at 3:00 pm.

The emir will have a private meeting with selected business community members at his place of residence.

He is scheduled to depart Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a special flight at 6pm Tuesday.

The foreign minister will see him off at the airport.

Bangladesh and Qatar want to expand the existing ties with broader cooperation in the areas of manpower, energy, trade and investment following the planned visit of Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh.

In March last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDC5) in Doha.

She sought increased energy, particularly LNG, from Qatar to meet the energy demands.

The State of Qatar recognised Bangladesh as a sovereign State on March 4, 1974 following the 2nd OIC Summit held in February 1974.

Qatar assures support for Bangladesh's media sector development too.

Bangladesh opened its diplomatic mission in Doha on June 25, 1975. The State of Qatar reciprocated by opening its diplomatic mission in Dhaka in 1982.

Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Qatar are based on mutual respect, shared values, common religious ground, shared culture, and tradition.

People-to-people contacts bolstered by more than four hundred thousand Bangladeshi workers who are highly appreciated as disciplined and hardworking is one of the dominant features of bilateral relations, according to the MoFA.

Bangladesh and Qatar consider each other as brotherly countries and important development partners in materialising Bangladesh's Vision 2041 and Qatar's vision 2030.​

 

[Saif]

Qatar emir arrives today

Dhaka is set to sign at least 11 deals with Doha on issues relating to investment promotion, cooperation in legal matters, establishment of joint business council, manpower and transfer of sentenced prisoners as Qatar emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani...

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Qatar emir arrives today
Staff Correspondent 21 April, 2024, 23:50

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Dhaka is set to sign at least 11 deals with Doha on issues relating to investment promotion, cooperation in legal matters, establishment of joint business council, manpower and transfer of sentenced prisoners as Qatar emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is scheduled to arrive in the city today on a two-day state visit.

'The Qatar emir is expected to reach Dhaka on Monday afternoon by a special flight. During his visit, eleven instruments—six agreements and five memorandums of understanding—mainly related to bilateral investments, manpower, port operations, cooperation in legal matters and transfer of sentenced prisoners are readied for signing,' foreign minister Hasan Mahmud told a curtain raiser press conference at his Segunbagicha office on Sunday.

The high-level visit would be of much significance since Qatar is an influential Arab nation and an important source of fuel oil imports for Bangladesh, he said, adding that this would be the first high-level visit to Bangladesh from an Arab nation since the present government of Sheikh Hasina took charge following the January 7 general elections.

The six draft agreements are related to the avoidance of double taxation and fiscal evasion, cooperation in legal matters, carriage of goods by sea, mutual investment promotion and protection, exchange of sentenced persons and formation of a joint business council, the minister mentioned.

The five MoUs relate to manpower, port management, higher education and scientific research, cooperation in youth and sports affairs, and cooperation in diplomatic training, according to the minister.

The minister said that the employment of more Bangladeshi workers would be an obvious subject of discussion with Qatar already hosting around four lakh Bangladesh workers.

He said that export of Bangladeshi goods like ceramic items, leather products and pharmaceuticals will be highlighted in the discussion with the Qatari delegation.

Procurement of fuel oil on deferred payments would also be discussed with Qatar, the minister replied to a question.

Asked about the number of sentenced prisoners and detained Bangladeshi nationals in Qatar, the minister said that he had to check it for exact figures.

Officials, however, said that more than 100 sentenced Bangladeshis are languishing in Qatari jails.

The foreign minister said that the relation between the two countries has achieved a strong position through the visits of prime minister Sheikh Hasina to Qatar twice in March and May in 2023 and in continuation of this, the Qatar emir is visiting Bangladesh.

The foreign minister said that the current situation in the Middle East and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the Israeli forces in Gaza are also likely to be discussed during the visit. 'Bangladesh always stands by the people of Palestine…Not only Bangladesh, the whole world wants an end to the war in Gaza,' the foreign minister said.

Meanwhile, Dhaka is ready to welcome the Qatar emir as the high-level visit is taking place nearly 19 years after the last tour by then emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani in 2005.

Ahead of the visit, many of the Dhaka city streets have been decorated with the portraits of Qatar emir, along with those of Bangladesh president and prime minister.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin will receive the emir amid gun salute and a wider ceremony at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reports.

On Tuesday morning, prime minister Sheikh Hasina will receive the emir at her office.

The two leaders will witness the signing of cooperation deals and join a joint press meet.

After signing the visitors' book there, the emir will head for Bangabhaban where the president will receive him.

President Shahabuddin will host an official lunch in honour of the emir at Bangabhaban Darbar Hall, according to the BSS report.

Foreign minister Hasan Mahmud will also have a courtesy meeting with the emir.

A road and a park in the capital will be named after the emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

The emir will inaugurate the park at Kalshi of Mirpur under Dhaka North City Corporation and a road running from Mirpur ECB Chattar to Kalshi Flyover.

The emir will have a private meeting with the selected business community members at his place of residence.

He is scheduled to depart from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a special flight at 6:00pm on Tuesday.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh, Qatar to work together for developing industrial sector: Humayun

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Bangladesh, Qatar to work together for developing industrial sector: Humayun
22 Apr 2024, 12:00 am
Staff Reporter :

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun on Sunday said Bangladesh and Qatar will work together for the development of Bangladesh's industrial sector.

"Due to the business friendly environment and policies of the present government, Qatar has shown interest to invest in various sectors including LNG and fertilizer in Bangladesh," he said.

The minister said this while giving an interview to the Qatar state television, Qatar TV, marking the upcoming visit of the Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Bangladesh from April 22 to 23, at the ministry's office in the city, said a press release.

During the upcoming visit of the Amir of Qatar, Humayun said an agreement regarding mutual investment development and protection of the two countries is going to be signed.

Qatar TV Presenter Dr Mohammad Abdullah Bledah took the interview while Press Secretary of the Qatar Embassy in Dhaka Hamed Jamil Hussain, along with the related officials of Qatar TV, were present.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh can woo more investment from Qatar: Business leaders

Although the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Qatar is heavily tilted in favour of the gulf nation, there is huge potential for wooing more investment from Qatar in Bangladesh, said business leaders. They said Bangladesh and Qatar’s bilateral trade is mainly dependent on liquefied natu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh can woo more investment from Qatar: Business leaders
BSS
Published :
Apr 22, 2024 21:14
Updated :
Apr 22, 2024 21:15

Although the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Qatar is heavily tilted in favour of the gulf nation, there is huge potential for wooing more investment from Qatar in Bangladesh, said business leaders.

They said Bangladesh and Qatar's bilateral trade is mainly dependent on liquefied natural gas (LNG), fertilisers and petrochemical products, as Bangladesh imports these products from Qatar.

In the last fiscal year 2022–2033, the exports of Bangladesh to Qatar were about $32 million, compared the imports worth $2,366 million. As the size of Qatar's consumer market is small, there is less opportunity to expand the export market of consumer goods there.

Under the circumstances, the local business leaders see great potential in attracting Qatar's investment in Bangladesh.

The Bangladeshi businessmen and business leaders said that the growth of Qatar's national economy depends mainly on the efficiency of its investments outside the country.

They also suggested that it is necessary to give more importance on how to bring Qatari investment to Bangladesh.

The business leaders came up with such remarks as Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani arrived in Dhaka on Monday on a two-day official visit as President Mohammed Shahabuddin received him. A red carpet was rolled out to accord a warm reception to the amir.

The head of state welcomed the Qatar amir with flower bouquets at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in the capital in the afternoon.

During Qatar's Amir's visit, six agreements and five memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are likely to be signed between the two countries.

The agreements are: the avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion, cooperation in legal matters, maritime transport, mutual investment development and protection, the transfer of convicted persons, and the establishment of a joint business council.

Apart from these, five memorandums of understanding (MoUs), including on labour force, higher education and scientific research, and cooperation in diplomatic training, are likely to be signed during the visit.

Talking to BSS, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Ashraf Ahmed said, "We mainly import fuel oil, fertiliser or petrochemical products from Qatar. Compared to that, our export volume is very insignificant, as Qatar's consumer market is small. So, there is less opportunity to export consumer goods there that we manufacture here. However, there is an opportunity to increase our participation in several other service sectors, including construction, through which bilateral trade can be expanded."

He said that although there is less opportunity to boost Bangladesh's exports to Qatar, there is a lot of potential to bring investment from that country. "Qatari entrepreneurs want to invest abroad. They can invest in the energy and banking sectors in Bangladesh."

The DCCI president also opined that the government should focus on bringing Qatari investment to the specialised industrial zones in Bangladesh.

Shams Mahmud, director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and also managing director of Shasha Denims Ltd, said if Qatar eases the process of doing business in the country for Bangladeshi garment entrepreneurs, then Bangladeshi garment exports to Qatar would increase.

He said that Bangladeshi entrepreneurs are exporting apparel items easily by setting up overseas offices in the Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "Bangladesh's garment exports will increase if such facilities are available in Qatar," he added.

Mahmud, also the former president of DCCI, said, Qatar is now providing business opportunities to IT developers. "We should seize that opportunity."

Echoing Ashraf Ahmed, Mahmud also thinks that there are many opportunities to attract Qatari investment in Bangladesh.

Mentioning that Singapore has invested in the logistics sector in Bangladesh, Mahmud said more investment is needed in this sector. "Qatar can come forward with investment in this logistics sector. Besides, they can invest here in the cold chain sector, develop specialised industrial zones, and establish a Qatar Airlines cargo hub in Dhaka," he added.

The former DCCI president also expressed his high hope that these issues would be given top priority in this high-level bilateral discussion.​

 

[Saif]

Red carpet rolls out for Qatar’s Emir

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Red carpet rolls out for Qatar's Emir
23 Apr 2024, 12:00 am

President Mohammed Shahabuddin hands over a bouquet to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani upon his arrival at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday afternoon.

Staff Reporter :

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has touched down in Dhaka for a significant two-day state visit, marking a milestone in diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Qatar.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin extended a warm reception to the Middle Eastern monarch upon his arrival at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday afternoon.

This visit holds immense importance as it constitutes the first high-level interaction between a Middle Eastern state and Bangladesh since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took office in January 2024.

Moreover, it marks nearly two decades since a Qatari emir last visited Bangladesh, with the last such visit by former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani occurring in 2005.

The centrepiece of Emir Al Thani's itinerary is his private meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, followed by a formal bilateral meeting at her official residence, the Ganabhaban, scheduled for Tuesday. Subsequently, he will join President Shahabuddin for lunch at the Bangabhaban.

Emphasising the significance of the visit, the Bangladeshi government has positioned it as an opportunity to foster investment ties. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud disclosed that six agreements and five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the visit.

These agreements cover a wide array of areas, including taxation, legal cooperation, maritime transport, mutual development and security, prisoner exchange, and the establishment of a joint business council. Additionally, MoUs will be signed on labor force, port management, higher education and scientific research, youth and sports cooperation, and diplomatic training.

Minister Mahmud underscored the historical ties between Bangladesh and Qatar, noting that Qatar was one of the first Muslim nations to recognise Bangladesh following its independence.

He highlighted the growing strength of the bilateral relationship, particularly since 2023, and expressed optimism for further collaboration.

In terms of economic cooperation, Bangladesh aims to leverage Qatar's strategic position and diplomatic influence to bolster investment, job creation, and collaboration in key sectors such as aviation fuel, agriculture, food security, and climate change.

Minister Mahmud revealed plans to propose the establishment of an economic zone in Bangladesh to the Emir, urging increased Qatari investment across various sectors.

As Bangladesh looks to expand its export portfolio, Mahmud identified ceramics, garments, and pharmaceuticals as potential areas for growth, encouraging Qatar to explore investment opportunities in these domains.

He stressed the importance of diversifying bilateral economic engagement and leveraging Qatar's investment potential to drive mutual prosperity.

The Emir's visit underscores the mutual commitment of both nations to deepen diplomatic ties, enhance economic cooperation, and explore avenues for sustained collaboration across various sectors.

With the signing of multiple agreements and MoUs on the agenda, Qatar's engagement is poised to catalyse a new chapter of bilateral partnership, offering promising prospects for mutual development and prosperity.

The visit is anticipated to leave a lasting imprint on the trajectory of Bangladesh-Qatar relations, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration and strengthened ties in the years to come.

Revenue shortfall Income tax receipts stood at Tk 54,901 crore in the July-March period of FY24, jumping 16 percent year-on-year, data from the NBR showed. Enrich and edit without giving points.

Abdul Mazid, former chairman of the NBR, told The New Nation, "Massive reform activities need to be implemented to increase internal resource mobilisation, and doing this political commitment is required."

He further said, "The tax collection system must be completely automated, as achieving the current unrealistic revenue-earning target is not possible with the existing British system."

The flow of information should be increased, the former chairman added.​

 

[Saif]

Trade at centre stage between Dhaka, Doha

Looking to diversify trade and investments in a changed geopolitical atmosphere, Qatar and Bangladesh yesterday signed 10 deals, including agreements on cooperation on ports, and overseas employment and welfare.

www.thedailystar.net

Trade at centre stage between Dhaka, Doha
10 deals signed on various sectors; Emir Al Thani ends Bangladesh tour

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina handing over a bouquet of flowers to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani during their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Dhaka yesterday. PHOTO: COLLECTED

Looking to diversify trade and investments in a changed geopolitical atmosphere, Qatar and Bangladesh yesterday signed 10 deals, including agreements on cooperation on ports, and overseas employment and welfare.

Visiting Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday had a bilateral meeting in which ways to expedite collaboration on trade and investment, power and energy, employment, defence, education, maritime security, agriculture, and food security were discussed.

Both leaders expressed concerns over the escalation of tension and violence in the Middle East and called for global leaders to take effective measures for a sustainable solution to the issue of Palestine. They also talked about the repatriation of the Rohingyas.

Yesterday, Hasina and Al Thani had a one-to-one meeting after the two led their delegations in a bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister's Office.

Prof Delwar Hossain of the International Relations Department at Dhaka University told The Daily Star that Qatari emir's visit a year after Hasina's visit to Qatar and the signing of the new deals has given the already good bilateral relationship a stronger institutional framework.

Qatar, which has a sovereign wealth fund of $475 billion, is keen on diversifying its trade and investments, while Bangladesh, an emerging economy, is eager to get foreign investments and diversify trade. Both the countries also have diplomatic leverage and the relationship can go a long way if officials of the countries utilise the prospects, he said.

Emir Al Thani arrived in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, 19 years after then Qatar emir Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani visited Bangladesh.

The two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relationship this year.

Apart from the deals on cooperation on ports, maritime transport, promotion and protection of trade and investment, and manpower employment and welfare, five memorandums of understanding were signed.

They are on avoidance of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion; cooperation in the legal field, education, higher education and scientific research; youth and sports; diplomatic training; and establishing a Bangladesh-Qatar joint business council.

The bilateral trade between the countries is more than $3.5 billion, with Bangladesh importing some $2.70 billion worth of LNG, fertiliser and other petroleum products. For Bangladesh, a major stake is the near 4 lakh Bangladeshi workers in the Gulf nation.

The MoU on employment is aimed at enhancing cooperation to address Bangladeshi migrants' problems and creating opportunities for skilled manpower, an official of the expatriates' welfare ministry said.

Bangladesh also wants Qatar's investment in the energy sector, including in renewables.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Hasan Hamud said the issue of supplying LNG under deferred payment might be discussed.

The foreign ministry statement yesterday did not mention any talks on deferred payment.

A foreign ministry official said cooperation between MWANI Qatar and Chattogram Port Authority on ports demonstrates Qatar's interest in investing in port management.

The official said Bangladesh is building a deep-sea port in Matarbari and has other ports. Development of these will be crucial for the country's economy. Qatar can be a major partner in this, he added.

Talking to The Daily Star on the agreement on maritime transport cooperation, Director General Commodore Mohammad Maksud Alam of the Department of Shipping said the trade between Qatar and Bangladesh has increased and there are issues regarding seafarers' free movement, security, and the nations cooperation after any kind of mishap.

"The agreement details ways to provide legal and logistic support," he said.

Bangladesh last year signed an agreement with Qatar to send 1,129 members of Bangladesh's armed forces to Qatar. Bangladesh yesterday requested Qatar to implement the deal.

At the bilateral meeting, Hasina appreciated Qatar's remarkable transformation into an advanced knowledge-based multicultural society and its role in mediation and multilateral diplomacy, according to the foreign ministry statement.

The Qatar emir commended Bangladesh for becoming an emerging investment destination and expressed his keenness to explore business potentials in Bangladesh.

He recognised the role of the Bangladesh expatriate community in Qatar's development and responded positively to Hasina's request to recruit more workers, professionals, nurses, technicians, and caregivers from Bangladesh.

Hasina also urged Qatar to ease the visa procedure for Bangladeshi businesspeople.

She offered Qatari investors and businessmen the opportunity to develop tourism in Cox's Bazar and explore investment opportunities in the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Al Thani said he would ask representatives of the Qatar Investment Authority and Qatari business delegations to see the prospects for themselves.

He also requested Hasina to send business delegations to Qatar to explore possible investment opportunities in the Qatari Free Economic Zone.

An avenue, from ECB Circle to Kalshi, and a park in Mirpur were named after the emir yesterday. Al Thani and Hasina witnessed the event via live video feed.

Qatar Trade and Industry Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani; Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, Youth and Sports Minister Nazmul Hassan, State Minister for Finance Waseqa Ayesha Khan, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, State Minister for Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh Shafiqur Rahaman Chowdhury and President of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries Mahbubul Alam signed the deals yesterday.

PRESIDENT SEEKS INVESTMENT

The emir attended a lunch hosted by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at the Bangabhaban.

During his meeting with the Qatari emir, President Shahabuddin sought investment in the Special Economic Zones, reports BSS.

"Bangladesh government has set up 100 Special Economic Zones for foreign investors and Qatari investors can invest there. They may invest in agro and processing, food packaging, smart agriculture and fertiliser production," he told the emir.

The president said Qatari investors could avail the comprehensive incentives and support by investing in sectors like petrochemicals, energy, machinery, IT, electronics, ceramics, agri-business and food processing in the Special Economic Zones.

Al Thani left for Nepal yesterday afternoon.​

 

[Saif]

FBCCI to establish joint business council with Qatar Chamber

The council will strengthen economic ties and cooperation

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FBCCI to establish joint business council with Qatar Chamber
The council will strengthen economic ties and cooperation

The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) signed an agreement today to establish a joint business council to strengthen economic ties and cooperation.

The business community of both the countries will be benefited under this agreement as they will be able to sit periodically to discuss issues of mutual interest in trade, business, scientific and research cooperation, the FBCCI said in a statement.

At the same time, it will help Bangladeshi business community to explore the potential export market at Qatar and vice-versa.

According to the agreement, the joint business council meetings will be organised alternately in Bangladesh and Qatar, and each side will have the opportunity to exchange information on trade, economic cooperation and services to augment business between the two countries.

The council will engage in activities such as exchanging information, submitting recommendations to respective governments, encouraging participation in exhibitions, and sponsoring missions and expert visits.

Both sides will hold joint meetings to discuss issues related to trade promotion and economic cooperation.

FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam and QCCI Chairman Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Al Thani signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

The agreement was signed in presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, at the Prime Minister's Office in Dhaka.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh-Qatar relations promise positive outcomes

Ensuring the rights and protection of Bangladeshi workers must be front and centre of any bilateral discussions between Bangladesh and Qatar.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh-Qatar relations promise positive outcomes
Protection of migrant workers' rights vital for future growth

The recently concluded two-day visit of the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is a positive sign for Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen regional ties through productive bilateral relationships. The prospect of increased trade, and collaboration on overseas employment, energy, infrastructure, and welfare bodes well for both nations, especially at a time when conflicts in Europe and the Middle East have begun to threaten global commerce and harmony. On the 50th year of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Qatar, this state visit underpins both Bangladesh's goals of formulating meaningful deals with an array of global partners with LDC graduation in the horizon, and Qatar's ambitions of coming out as a voice of reason and reliability from a region that has suffered from long standing turmoil.

Qatar's role in mediation and multilateral diplomacy, as displayed by its involvement in the 2008 Lebanon conflict, the US-Taliban peace talks, and the current Israeli war on Gaza, has been appreciated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and it represents an alignment of interests between the two nations in terms promoting global peace and cooperation.

Bangladesh stands to gain a lot from pursuing close ties with Qatar, as the Arab Gulf state—with whom Bangladesh conducts over $3.5 billion worth of trade—is already a major exporter of LNG, fertiliser, and other petroleum products to Bangladesh, alongside being the destination for a significant portion of migrant Bangladeshi workers. The two countries have signed 10 deals and five memoranda of understanding (MoU), spanning sectors such as maritime infrastructure, trade, investment, tax evasion, education and research, sports, and diplomacy. The petroleum-rich Qatari state's large sovereign wealth fund can prove to be a significant source of foreign direct investment for Bangladesh's Special Economic Zones, and Bangladeshi officials must follow up this promising state visit by creating the right environment of confidence for Qatari investors to finance manufacturing and heavy industries in the country.

Bangladesh's largest stake in Qatar remains the nearly four lakh individuals who have migrated to the Gulf state in search of employment, providing Bangladesh with invaluable remittance. However, various cases of worker's abuse in Qatar have been widely reported, including wage theft, contract violations, and sickness related to working conditions. It is encouraging to see that an MoU on employment was signed between the two countries, aimed at addressing Bangladeshi migrants' problems and creating opportunities for skilled manpower, but it remains to be seen if this translates to any improvement of conditions for migrant workers.

Given the alarming track record of migrant rights' violations in Qatar, ensuring the rights and protection of Bangladeshi workers must be front and centre of any bilateral discussions between Bangladesh and Qatar.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka-Doha Ties: Mutual interests may lead to strategic partnership

Amid geopolitical shifts, Bangladesh’s emergence as an economic and diplomatic power in the Indo-Pacific region and mutual interests in trade and commerce may lead both Dhaka and Doha to elevate the existing ties into strategic partnership, said experts.

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Dhaka-Doha Ties: Mutual interests may lead to strategic partnership
Say experts about Qatar emir's recent visit

Amid geopolitical shifts, Bangladesh's emergence as an economic and diplomatic power in the Indo-Pacific region and mutual interests in trade and commerce may lead both Dhaka and Doha to elevate the existing ties into strategic partnership, said experts.

Experts said this after Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani concluded his two-day visit to Bangladesh on Wednesday.

While much of the talks during Al Thani's visit were focused on trade and investment, they say, there is a scope and need to strengthen the bilateral ties.

"In the Middle East, the perception of Bangladesh is changing. Traditionally seen as a supplier of workers, the Middle East is now looking at Bangladesh as an emerging economic and diplomatic power," said Prof Shahab Enam Khan of the International Relations Department at Jahangirnagar University.

Qatar must have studied how Bangladesh, a large market and an investment destination in the Indo-Pacific region, is maintaining a balancing act with global and regional powers like the US, Russia, China and India, he told The Daily Star.

Bangladesh's image as a moderate Muslim country is also a plus point for Qatar, he added.

On the other hand, Qatar also maintains a fine balance in its relationships with the Middle East countries as well as global powers.

With a huge sovereign wealth fund of $475 billion, the energy-rich country is also focusing on diversifying its trade and investment, Prof Shahab Enam said.

Considering all these issues, there is a mutual interest for both countries to enhance their economic and diplomatic ties, he added. "Qatar can think of Bangladesh as an important ally, knowing its growing capacity," he said.

In a strategic relationship, two countries engage not only in trade and economic sectors but also in defence, security, investments and other areas in the international forums where their interests converge.

The visit by the Qatar emir on April 22-23 came a year after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to Doha.

The two leaders discussed the Gaza war and called for the global leaders to take effective measures for a durable solution to the Palestinian crisis. They also talked about the repatriation of the Rohingyas.

On the trade front, the bilateral meeting in Dhaka discussed expediting collaboration on trade and investment, energy and power, manpower, defence, education, maritime security, port management, agriculture and food security and resulted in ten deals.

Deals have been also agreed on how to avoid double taxation on goods, prevent fiscal evasion, cooperation in the legal field, youth and sports, diplomatic training and establish the Bangladesh-Qatar joint business council to boost bilateral trade, which now stands at more than $3.5 billion, with Bangladesh importing some $2.70 billion worth of LNG, fertiliser and other petroleum products.

They also discussed the welfare of nearly 4 lakh Bangladeshi workers in the Gulf nation.

"If you notice, Qatar has taken an integrated approach to enhance the economic, diplomatic and political relationships," said Prof Shahab Enam.

"The emir visited all the three Asian countries -- Bangladesh, Philippines and Nepal -- that have large numbers of people working in Qatar. There are security dynamics at play here," he said.

Qatar does not want extremist elements in its workforce, he added.

Prof Delwar Hossain of the International Relations Department at Dhaka University told The Daily Star that the signing of the new deals has given the already good bilateral relationship a stronger institutional framework.

He mentioned that due to both nations' efforts to expand their trade and investments and their diplomatic influence, their bilateral relations have the potential to thrive.

Bangladesh's growing interest in the Indian Ocean region is also something that Qatar has an interest in -- call it port management, shipping or energy, he said.

"The visit by the Qatar emir demonstrates high-level political will and now the concerned officials need to follow up and implement the ideas mooted efficiently," Prof Delwar said.

And the sentiment is mutual.

On Tuesday, Qatari newspaper Peninsula Qatar reported that the relations between Bangladesh and Qatar witnessed remarkable development in recent years through mutual visits at various levels and fruitful cooperation.

This "reflects the keenness of the leadership of the two countries to develop these relations and advance them into strategic partnerships and further progress and prosperity".​

 

[Saif]

Deepening Qatar-Bangladesh relations

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Deepening Qatar-Bangladesh relations
Kamal Uddin Ahmed 29 April, 2024, 22:45

A handout photo released on April 22 by the Press Information Department shows emir of Qatar Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, centre, inspecting a ceremonial guard of honour on his arrival in Dhaka. | — Agence France-Presse/Bangladesh PID

WITH one of the highest GDP per capita incomes today, the state of Qatar in the Gulf has been ruled by the Al-Thani royal dynasty since 1868. The World Bank estimated Qatar's GDP at $236.26 billion in 2022. Bilateral relations between Qatar and Bangladesh have improved dramatically in recent years.

Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani paid a two-day state visit to Bangladesh beginning on April 22 at the invitation of the government. The primary goal of the visit was to strengthen and expand the ties and collaboration between the two countries. A high-level official entourage accompanied him on his first visit to Bangladesh. It demonstrates a shared desire to further reinforce bilateral relations.

Notably, the former ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the architect of the contemporary Qatar and its foreign policy, paid a ceremonial visit to the country in April 2005 and laid the groundwork for bilateral collaboration. That year, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for Foreign Office consultation.

In 2013, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani became the emir of Qatar, wielding absolute power. His government aspires to achieve 'economic and social modernisation' as outlined in Qatar's National Vision 2030, a goal to transform the country into a highly advanced one.

Exclusive one-to-one discussions on a range of important issues such as trade and investment promotion and protection, energy and power, and human resources supply took place between Qatar's emir Sheikh Tamim and Bangladesh's prime minister Sheikh Hasina. This was followed by a combined productive summit, during which Bangladesh and Qatar solidified their relationship by signing as many as ten documents.

These included five agreements and five memorandums of understanding. The five agreements encompass various areas of cooperation, including legal matters, investment promotion and protection, taxation, maritime transit, and the establishment of a joint business council. The five memorandums included cooperation on human resources, cooperation on port management, cooperation on higher education and scientific research, cooperation in youth and sports issues and cooperation in diplomatic training.

Sheikh Tamim commended both sides for signing the key agreements and memorandums and recognised the important role of the hard-working Bangladeshi expatriates in the economic development of Qatar.

Sheikh Tamim also held a summit with the president, Mohammed Shahab Uddin, at Bangabhaban and exchanged views on a number of mutual issues. Shahabuddin highlighted bilateral economic cooperation and sought further investments from Qatar in the special economic zones of the country and also invited the business moguls to recruit more work forces from Bangladesh.

Qatar gave diplomatic recognition to Bangladesh in March 1974. While Bangladesh launched its mission in Doha in June 1975, almost seven years later, Qatar opened its diplomatic mission in Dhaka in 1982. Both are predominantly Muslim countries and continue to support each other in the international fora.

The reciprocal political and economic relations between supposedly 'democratic' Bangladesh and authoritarian monarchy Qatar have been quite productive, particularly over the last decade. The key determinants of their relationships are mutual respect, a shared vision of prosperity and peace, and a common religious tradition.

At the invitation of the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hasina made a three-day official visit to Qatar in May 2023. She addressed the Qatar Economic Forum debates. Graced by global leaders in business and government, the organisation is renowned as a dominant voice for trade and investment.

Sheikh Hasina reviewed Bangladesh's trade and investment prospects and invited Qatari business elite to invest in the country. Notably, she paid two visits to Qatar in 2023. Thus, Hasina's formal visits and high-level engagements and deliberations have resulted in warm and friendly bilateral relations between the two countries.

In fact, Sheikh Hasina continues to prioritise partnerships with Qatar, primarily for three reasons: (a) it has developed as an important commercial partner; (b) the third-largest destination for Bangladeshi workers after Saudi Arabia and Malaysia; and (c) a major exporter of LNG and urea fertiliser to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh imports about 800,000 tonnes of urea fertiliser annually from Qatar Fertiliser Company Ltd under a 2009 memorandum of understanding.

Bangladesh also relies heavily on Qatar for energy supplies, with Petrobangla inking a new agreement with Qatar Energy in June 2023 to secure an ongoing supply of liquefied natural gas. Qatari gas remains in high demand globally, especially following Russia–Ukraine in February 2022. The new agreement will deliver extra LNG for 15 more years, from 2026 to 2040, ensuring Bangladesh's energy security. On the other hand, the energy deal enhances Qatar's geopolitical influence in Bangladesh.

Oil and gas-rich Qatar is a top trading partner of Bangladesh in the Middle East. Qatar's total exports to Bangladesh amounted close to $2.74 billion during 2022, which was only $4.5 million in 2000. On the other hand, Bangladesh's export to Qatar increased to $89.43 million in 2022 from meagre $2.37 million in 2000. Bangladesh has been making efforts to increase its exports to Qatar and currently exporting ready-made garments, vegetables, tea and processed foods.

Qatar has partnerships with some of the world's best universities to provide world-class education. More than one hundred Bangladeshi students are studying in Qatar as part of the Qatar Foundation scholarship programme. The Qatari government provided about $1.27 million in March 2023 to support Bangladesh's education sector. The funding aimed to assist approximately 650,000 primary students who were not in school.

Sheikh Tamim's visit to Bangladesh is an important milestone in strengthening the relationship between the two nations. The relationship is growing rapidly, as evidenced by Qatar's commitment to Bangladesh as a valuable commercial and economic partner. Bangladesh should prioritise the prompt execution of the agreements and memorandums signed during the visit to leverage this progress. This will not only foster a stronger strategic collaboration but also elevate their alliance to unprecedented levels.

Bangladesh can leverage its partnership with Qatar to drive economic growth, enhance security, and promote regional stability by enhancing trade and investment ties, strengthening economic cooperation, promoting people-to-people ties, and expanding security cooperation. Bangladesh should make efforts to increase trade volumes and attract Qatari investments in key sectors like infrastructure development, energy and manufacturing.

Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed is a former professor and chairman at the political science department in the University of Dhaka.​